Jordan Lucas might not be as experienced as teammate Adrian Amos but no one in the Penn State secondary had a better 2013 season than the junior cornerback.

The 6-0, 198-pound Lucas was everywhere last season, his first as a starter. He registered 55 tackles -- third-best on the team -- and he also contributed three interceptions and a team-high 29 passes defensed.

His new task for 2014? He must develop into one of the defense's leaders, along with a pair of seniors -- safety Amos and linebacker Mike Hull.

"Last year, I wasn't a leader last year so I really didn't have a voice,'' Lucas said.

"This year, I'm taking more of a leader role and trying to lead by example … just so the guys know that we're not running this defense without any leaders out there.''

Lucas added: "When the old (Bill O'Brien) staff was here, (defensive) coach (John) Butler, he, before I even got here, because I went to prep school, he would always tell me, 'you're not a young guy coming in here, you're not a young guy coming in here. You can't have that mindset, you have to think like you're a veteran'.''

Lucas said he has high hopes for Amos in the fall, calling him one of the best players in the Big Ten Conference.

"My expectations for Adrian are first-team All-Big Ten because I think he's that kind of player,'' Lucas said.

"You know, whether he's at safety or corner, I think he's … a great athlete. His skill set allows him to play either position.''

In addition, Lucas offered up some opinions on a fast young wideout (true freshman De'Andre Thompkins) and some contenders for the cornerback position opposite him.